An Implementation of Blockchain Technology in Forensic Evidence Management

Interpol review of forensic management, 2019–2022

“…The discipline specific forensic science methods developed, and the enormous amounts of computerized data created have required increasingly sophisticated technology to support laboratory operations. Advances in machine learning and robotics [ 13 , 129 , 134 ], blockchain [ 119 , 135 ], artificial intelligence [ 119 ], portable field tests [ 15 , 88 , 134 ], etc. have shown benefits many would only dream of in the 1980s.…”

“…This has put increased demand pressure on laboratories to perform at higher levels of volume [ 136 ]. This can then put strain on laboratory budgets [ 13 , 48 , 129 ] and creates pressure to justify the benefits and return on investment of new technologies [ 15 ]; NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG), 2021a,2021b, 2021c, 2021d; [ 6 , 135 ]. Further attention is needed when addressing questions of when to retire an old technology and introduce a new one [ 15 ], the importance of method validation [ 3 , 29 , 119 , 134 , [137] , [138] , [139] , [140] ], the broader effects of new criminal justice technology on society [ 15 , 43 ], and connecting technologies and data into a collaborative network [ 25 ].…”

“…The use of a permissioned blockchain ledger managed by a laboratory director or key employees can properly document evidence transactions, the personnel involved, the location of the evidence in the forensic chain, and ensure its validity in court. If evidence is or can be digitized, the blockchain can also be used in lieu of physically packaging and transporting evidence to other locations, which can reduce the likelihood of evidence loss or destruction, is eco friendly, saves time, and can save significant costs [ 135 ]. This could be especially beneficial to smaller and more remote jurisdictions that lack capacity and resources [ 50 ].…”

Enigma - A Secure Forensic Data Sharing Using Blockchain

“…Revathy Sathyaprakasan et al [1].Management of evidences plays an important role when it comes to forensic science.. In forensic investigations, the most pressing issues are evidence management and documentation.…”

“…Block chain technology is a distributed system that uses ledger based transactions, which could store linked records within the range of a decentralized database within the P2P network. The advantage of using block chain in digital forensics is to ensure secure and reliable sharing of data between the sender and the receiver [1]. When a crime is committed, the corpse is sent to the forensic lab where they analyse the body and generate the report of the evidence.…”